Crime Scene sketching
10/25 Objective: know the properties of a crime scene sketch DMA: Write down the definition of a crime scene using the following words. Dimensions, scene, case, objects, crime
Crime scene sketch Accurately portrays the physical facts Relates the sequence of events at the scene Establishes the precise location and relationship of objects and evidence at the scene Creates a mental picture of scene for those not present Is a permanent record of the scene
A crime scene sketch assists in: 1. Interviewing and interrogating persons 2. Preparing an investigative report 3. presenting the case in court
Crime scene sketch Two types of sketches Rough The sketch supplements photographs, notes, plaster casts and other investigative techniques. Two types of sketches Rough Finished or scale sketch
Rough sketch Pencil-drawn outline of the scene and the location of objects and evidence. Usually not drawn to scale Although distances are measured and indicated in the sketch The sketch is taken after photographs and before anything is moved Sketch as much as possible
Sketching materials Paper Pencil Measuring tape Ruler Clipboard Eraser Compass
Steps in sketching the crime scene 1. Observe and plan 2. measure distances 3. outline the area 4. locate objects and evidence within the outline 5. record details 6. Make notes 7. Identify the sketch with a legend and a scale
Measure and outline area A Steel tape is best Use conventional units of measure Inches Feet Centimeters Meters
Measure and outline area North should be at the top of the paper Determine Scale Take the longest measurement at the scene and divide it by the longest measurement of the paper used for sketching. {½”= 1’small rooms {¼”= 1’large rooms {1/8”= 1’very large rooms {½”= 10’large buildings {1/8”= 10’large land area
Measure and Outline Area Measure from fixed locations Walls Trees Telephone poles Corners Curbs Outlets Any immovable object
Finished sketches Plot Objects and Evidence Use: Rectangular coordinates A Baseline Triangulation Compass points
Finished Sketches Rectangular coordinates: Uses two adjacent walls as fixed points as distances are measured at right angles.
Finished sketches Baseline Method: Run a baseline from one fixed point to another, from which measurements are taken at right angles.
Finished Sketches Triangulation- common in outdoor scenes. Uses straight-line measurements from two fixed objects to the evidence to create a triangle with evidence in the angle formed by two straight lines.
Finished Sketch Cross-Projection Method- Presents floors and walls as they were on one surface.
Finished Sketches Make a Legend containing: Case number Type of crime Investigator Persons assisting Direction of North Identifying information in sketch- key Scale